The FPB has written to Mr Hutton to highlight the need to replace the now defunct Small Business Council, an advisory body of trade associations and smaller entrepreneurs which reported the concerns of smaller firms to the Minister for Enterprise. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced a string of changes to the machinery and functioning of Government, including the creation of a new ‘Business Council' comprising, among others, representatives of large multinationals, to advise him on business issues.  

Matt Hardman, the FPB's Campaigns Manager, wrote in his letter to Mr Hutton: "Smaller firms must have a voice at the heart of Government". He expressed concern that the newly-created Business Council  ‘…contains no representatives from smaller firms and does not show the Government's awareness of their importance in a positive light.' 

Mr Hardman commented that Mr Hutton must realise it is vital for the UK economy that he ensures the prosperity and growth of businesses across the UK: "Small and medium-sized firms, in particular, contribute half of UK private sector Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and nearly 60% of employment opportunities."  

The FPB's letter also highlighted the importance of accelerating efforts to reduce administrative burdens resulting from EU regulations. Mr Hardman noted that the FPB is convinced that only a reduction in the stock of regulations will bring real benefits and improve competitiveness. The FPB is hopeful that this reduction will be achieved through the newly-formed Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR). Mr Hardman believes that they need to "…challenge other Departments of State as well as the European Union to ensure that their policies do not unduly burden smaller firms."